Hi, my name is Sophie Duncan. I'm an author of fantasy, paranormal, horror and erotica. Welcome to my blog. Here I'll ramble on about the books I'm reading and writing, ebooks, publishing and anything else I happen to think of.

Friday, 26 July 2013

Well, it's the last day of the Blogger Book Fair July 2013 and I have to say it's been fun sharing my thoughts in guest posts on other people's blogs and have guests on my blog. I'd like to say a big thank you to Kayla Curry and her intrepid band of two helpers, Fel Wetzig and Pereza Thompson, without whose organisation and dedication, we authors would not have been able to participate in such a wonderful event.

There is still time to enjoy the fair, to find out more about the books, authors and bloggers in the BBF, check out the BBF Directory.

I am appearing on C.J.'s blog to talk about developing magical forensics in my book series, The Haward Mysteries, which I write with my sister, Tasha. There's also a chance to win a copy of Sacrifice of An Angel, the first book in the series.

When you think of fantasy, do you imagine wizards? Wizard school? Unicorns? Dragons? Werewolves? What makes a fantasy a fantasy?

A fantasy is a story that has parts or elements that are unrealistic. That’s a pretty broad definition! The “unrealistic” portions could be anything from fantastic creatures to magic to a wholly realistic world that is simply different than ours. I enjoy all kinds of fantasy, but my Erdemen Honor series, which begins with The King’s Sword and continues in A Cold Wind, is essentially realistic. The books are set in a world I created, with its own cultures, races, and historical baggage, but there is nothing else fantastic about it.

I haven’t read many fantasy books that are entirely devoid of magic, so if you have any recommendations, please let me know! Richard Adams’ novels Watership Down and Shardik don’t have any magic, although the rabbits in Watership Down are unrealistically intelligent. Guy Gavriel Kay’s books A Song for Arbonne and Under Heaven include magic, but it plays a small part in each story.

However, even when magic is an important part of a fantasy world, it is still subject to rules. Magic, like everything else in a story, needs to make some kind of sense, even if the rules that govern it are different than the rules we know in this world. Authors have the opportunity and responsibility to think through all kinds of interesting questions: How does a character control magic? Is it innate or taught? Can anyone learn magic, or are only certain characters capable of it? What social effects does magic have? How does the existence of magic affect the economy and the political structure?

In the Erdemen Honor series, magic isn’t a factor, and there are no fantastic creatures, no unicorns, no dragons, not even any rodents of unusual size. However, I went through the same process of figuring out what factors affected every aspect of life. Race, culture, and history are relevant and have effects on characters in the story, just as they do in real life. Kemen, the narrator in The King’s Sword, is a Dari, a minority who feels out of place in the only country he’s ever known. Dari and Tuyet, the two primary races in The King’s Sword, aren’t exactly analogous to any real races, but they’re very human. Their world is governed by the same forces that govern ours: culture, race, history, individual personalities, environment, political conflict, and physical laws. My background is in international affairs and national security, so I found that aspect of world-building really interesting, but I didn’t write a fantasy political thriller. Instead, it’s a character-driven story, just the characters and the decisions they make.

When I began writing The King’s Sword, I didn’t intend to write a fantasy without magic. I wanted to write a realistic story, but I kept my mind open for places where magic might be an important piece of the puzzle. To my own surprise, it never really came up. The world of Erdemen Honor is much like ours - gritty, sometimes harsh, but shot through with beauty, love, and heroism.

A disillusioned soldier. A spoiled, untried prince. A coup that threatens the country they both love. When retired soldier Kemen finds the young prince Hakan fleeing an attempted assassination, he reluctantly takes the role of mentor and guardian. Keeping the prince alive is challenging enough. Making him a man is harder. As usurper Vidar tightens his grip on power, Kemen wrestles with questions of duty and honor. What if the prince isn’t the best ruler after all? Invasion looms, and Kemen’s decisions will shape the fate of a nation. What will he sacrifice for friendship and honor?

When retired Erdemen army officer Kemen SEndoa helped the young prince Hakan Ithel reclaim his throne, he thought he was happy. He had shaped the future of his beloved country and earned a place of honor and respect. In the shelter of the palace, he finds peace and the promise of a life he’d only imagined. Yet his own choices, and brewing border troubles, may force him to a final sacrifice. A tale of love, honor, and forgiveness, A Cold Wind follows The King’s Sword in the Erdemen Honor series.

I’m working on the third book in the series, to be released winter 2013, as well as a separate urban fantasy / supernatural thriller series scheduled for publication in winter 2013/2014. I’d love to connect with you on Facebook, Google+, or my website at CJBrightley.com.

Thursday, 25 July 2013

Day 4 of the Blogger Book Fair July 2013 already and still so much exciting stuff to read, competitions to enter, freebies to download :). To find out more about the books, authors and bloggers in the BBF, check out the BBF Directory. And to find out what I'm up to today, look no further!

It is my pleasure today, as part of the Blogger Book Fair July 2013, to introduce you to author Constance Phillips, who is talking about the happy ending. So, Constance, over to you.

~

Why do you pick up a romance novel?

I’m sure the reasons are as many and as varied as the types of romances out there, but if you’re anything like me a big part of that desire is for the happily every after.

Not only is the happy ending a big part of why I read romance, but it is the main reason why I write them.

I love taking two characters, putting them on a bumpy road, and watch them learn how to stand on their own two feet, while realizing they can’t live without each other.

It was also why I decided to write Resurrecting Harry. To quote that old TV show Quantum Leap (one of my favorites, by the way) [I wanted] to set right what once went wrong. And give two people real people who were very much in love, the happy ending they were cheated out of in real life.

Harry Houdini, even many years after his death, remains the best known escape artist. He continues to be the gold standard that magicians of this day hope to emulate, and tops just about every list of escape artists.

His wife Bess was his partner on the stage and in life. He died before his time and she continued on, dedicated to both him and the act. Admirable, yes, but not the happy ending we long for in romance books.

Enter Jaden: purgatory’s keeper. He gives Harry a new body, life and face and is charged with using it to save Bess from herself. Harry (now known as Erich) believes their love transcends death, but quickly learns he has to fight for his one-and-only love and a second chance at that happily ever after.

Can you think of another historical couple who deserve a better ending to their story than life gave them?

~

Resurrecting Harry

Can the greatest escape artist ever known break the grim reaper’s chains to save the only woman he’s ever loved?

In order to save Bess from self-destruction, Harry Houdini puts his afterlife on the line by entering a wager with purgatory’s keeper. He gives Harry a younger face and body, and a new name: Erich Welch.

Bess clings to his promise to deliver a coded message from beyond the grave, determined to provide the bridge for him to cross, even if that means befriending her husband's sworn enemy.

Erich needs to help Bess over her loss and put her on the road to healing, but will any good come from resurrecting Harry?

Constance Phillips lives in Ohio with her husband, two ready-to-leave-the-nest children, and four canine kids. Her perfect fantasy vacation would involve hunting Dracula across Europe with her daughter, who also digs that kind of stuff. When she's not writing about fairies, shifters, vamps, and guardian angels, she's working side-by-side with her husband in their hardwood flooring business.

Constance is actively involved in her local Romance Writers of America chapter (MVRWA) and the Southeast Michigan chapter of the United States Pony Club. When not writing or enjoying the outdoors, she loves reality television or can be found at a Rick Springfield concert (just look for the pink Converse high tops).

Wednesday, 24 July 2013

Day 3, halfway through the Blogger Book Fair July 2013 already and still so much exciting stuff to read, competitions to enter, freebies to download :). To find out more about the books, authors and bloggers in the BBF, check out the BBF Directory. And to find out what I'm up to today, look no further!

I am excited to be hosting author and blogger, A Jarrell Hayes today, who has some great books on offer for the duration of the BBF and is also running a competition to win copies of some of them.

I am appearing on A Jarrell Hayes' blog later today, with some info about my books and a little background about myself. There's also a chance to win a copy of the four books I'm talking about in my posts this week, Sacrifice of An Angel, The End of The Journey, Death In The Family and Myriad Imaginings.

Plus, Wittegen Press is still running their giveaway of a great selection of their eBooks:

Today I am very happy to welcome A Jarrell Hayes, author and poet, to my blog to give an introduction to his books as part of The Blogger Book Fair July 2013!

~

I’m excited to
participate in Blogger Book Fair Resort. The theme is Book Your Trip to Far Away
Places. I partnered with my publishing company, Hidden Clearing Books, L.L.C.,
to transport readers to lands filled with magic, war-torn kingdoms, a fictional
Seattle, WA where elementals and magic spirits thrive, the Vietnam War, and
into the heart and soul of a poet. To celebrate the event, I am discounting
ebook versions of 5 of my titles.

My following
ebooks are on sale during Blogger Book Fair Resort:

Crowning
of the Good King (The Good King Saga, Book 1) – An epic fantasy
novel where farm boy Edgar Winefellow who, while seeking vengeance on the Dark
Lord who destroys his village, discovers that his destiny is intertwined with
the political powers that rule his world. Originally $3.99, it is on sale for
$0.99 with discount code PD38Q at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/279927.

Detecting
Magic with Dick Hunter: The Mort des Hommes Files – What begins
as a routine missing person’s case for Seattle private eye Dick Hunter quickly
becomes the hunt for a killer possessing dark magic powers that takes Dick deep
into the hidden world of Jinn and magic. Originally $2.99, this fantasy novella
is on sale for $0.99 with discount code US88E at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/46217.

Popular
Television
– A mix genre collection of short stories that takes the reader into the dark
side of humanity in a reading experience similar to channel surfing. Originally
$2.99, it is on sale for $0.99 with discount code ZD38Z at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/240594.

“Swordbreaker” –
A fantasy short story where an aging tyrant must comes to terms with the
follies of his warlike past. Originally $0.99, it is on sale for FREE with
discount code EB93T at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/239911.

The
Poets Are Dead? – Part tribute to the dead, part celebration of
life, this book of thoughtful and whimsical poems is considered Hayes’ most
powerful collection. Originally $2.99, it is on sale for FREE with discount
code CZ78K at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/84372.

~

In addition to
the discounted ebooks, I am joining Hidden Clearing Books, L.L.C. in a massive
giveaway. The prizes include one grand prize of a gift pack including a tote
bag, a notebook and print copies of the following titles:

Four other
winners will win a copy of one of the books. To enter the giveaway, simply
complete one or more of the tasks in the Rafflecopter contest. Remember, the
more tasks you fulfill, the better your chance of winning! Enter here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ff1e6d1/

A. Jarrell
Hayes is a poet, fiction writer and publisher. He has written over a dozen
books and his writing has appeared in over 20 publications, both online and in
print. He writes poetry under the name A. J. Hayes. In 2013, he founded Hidden
Clearing Books, L.L.C. He currently resides in Baltimore, MD. He invites you to
visit his website at www.ajhayes.com and
his blog http://ajhayes.wordpress.com.

Tuesday, 23 July 2013

Hi again! Day 2 of the Blogger Book Fair July 2013, and here's what I'm up to:)

I am very happy to be hosting authors Amos Cassidy, and yes, that's not a typos, there's two of them, check out their guest post to find out a bit more. They're also talking about their new book Crimson Midnight.

I'm also appearing on Amos Cassidy's blog, talking about Playing with Demons and my YA Urban Fantasy books, The Hidden War Series. There's also a chance to win the first book in the series, The End of The Journey in this post :).

I'm also appearing in Chapter Break, talking about my favourite top ten magics and my book, Sacrifice of An Angel, which is the first in the Haward Mysteries Series that I write with my twin, Tasha. Check out the post for a chance to win a copy of Sacrifice.

Plus, Wittegen Press is still running their giveaway of a great selection of their eBooks:

Rose wants excitement, bright lights and late nights, but she gets more than she bargained for when she swaps her wholesome country life for the hustle and bustle of London.

The city night is home to hungry shadows, eager to consume her.

Rose discovers there is more to this world than what the mundane eye sees, and that she herself is a part of it. Unexpected friendships are forged and unwanted, sometimes dangerous, attractions flare.

London becomes a playground for magic, danger and supernatural threat. While her life, and those of who she loves, hangs in the balance, she must endeavour to embrace her new nature and assist in identifying the hidden threat before it succeeds in its dark purpose.

Rose stood in the bedroom doorway, shoulder propped against the door frame, thumbs tucked into the pockets of her low-rise Levis. She cocked her head, watching Greg’s backside moving back and forth like an overactive piston.

Had it always been that hairy?

She cleared her throat. “I guess you’re busy,” she said, “maybe I should pop back later.”

The piston halted and Greg practically threw himself off his bed partner as if she were an unwanted hot potato. “Fuck! Rose! Fuck!”

“Yeah, I can see that,” Rose said.

“What are you…I mean, when did you-”

“Get here?” she glanced casually at her wristwatch. “About five minutes ago.”

She noticed him surreptitiously pull the bedspread up to cover his crotch. “What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I thought I’d surprise you.” She pushed herself off the door frame sauntering into the room. “I guess I succeeded.”

A petite five foot four, with the elfin doe-eyed features of a Manga sketch topped with long golden hair, Rose didn’t look like a threat. In fact she was pretty certain that she would have been cast as the lead in any production of ‘Legally Blonde’ on looks alone, but the tussled brunette, frozen on the bed, saw something in Rose’s sapphire gaze that galvanised her into action. She shot off the bed making a grab for a pair of lacy red underwear on the floor.

“Sit!” Rose said.

The brunette froze, her fingers mere inches from the lacy garment that would cover her Brazilian-waxed bits. Yeah, Rose wished she’d missed that bit.

Rose smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Please don’t leave on my account. This won’t take more than a minute.” She strode casually to the bedside cabinet on the brunette’s side of the bed, and felt her shrink away. Ignoring her she began to rummage inside.

Greg pulled on his boxers. “What are you doing?”

“Getting my stuff.” She pulled out a couple of paperbacks, her overnight cosmetics bag and her hardback copy of ‘The Kama Sutra’. It felt tacky and sticky. Rose cracked it open and frowned. “You got spunk stains on my book.” She threw the book onto the bed wiping her hands on her jeans. She shoved the rest of her stuff into her backpack which lay on the floor by the bedside table. Swinging the pack onto her shoulder she headed for the door. She felt Greg behind her, his breath hot on the nape of her neck.

“What, so that’s it? You’re just gonna leave?” He made a grab for her shoulder and she shrugged him off.

“Threesomes are really not my thing,” she said and carried on down the hallway. She needed to get out of here quick before…

“This is all your fault you know!”

She paused, hand on the banister. Now this she had to hear. She turned to face him.

He had his arms crossed across his broad chest, tanned and speckled with dark hair. She had loved lying on that chest. Her eyes travelled up to settle on his face. He wore his favourite expression; smug. “Enlighten me.”

He shrugged, “If you’d put out more often this would never have happened. A man has needs you know, and you’re always busy-”

And then he was on the floor clutching his nose. Rose blinked staring at her fist, feeling the anger, which had erupted so suddenly, dissipate. The roaring in her ears subsided and she heard Greg whimper.